Paradise on Earth: My Maldives Travel Journal
Here is a travel journal of my trip to Kuda Huraa Island in the Maldives:
Preparation
Choosing an island: The Maldives has one hotel per island, so choosing the right island is key. After considering Central Grand, Four Seasons, Six Senses Laamu, Soneva Fushi, and other islands, I finally chose Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Island because of its famous lobster, small size, and 20-minute speedboat ride to the island.
Choosing an agent: After reading online guides and comparing agents, I chose Seven Color Holidays because of their smooth communication, reasonable prices, and low child fees.
Packing: I packed according to the agent's list and tips, including sunscreen, diving suits, diving socks, diving masks, vacation-style T-shirts, long skirts, new swimsuits, and accessories. I also brought a book, but be aware that some countries prohibit the import of publications.
Round-trip itinerary
Flights: I booked a China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou to Male, departing in the afternoon and returning at night. Male Airport is small and old, so if you arrive the night before, you can stay at the airport accommodation arranged by Seven Color Holidays.
Island transportation: Four Seasons provides airport reception services, with a reception room at the airport. Then, you take a 20-minute speedboat ride to the island, where someone will take your luggage to your room.
Accommodation experience
Beach villa: I booked four nights in a sunset beach villa. The room was clean and cozy, with a small pool, separate wet and dry bathrooms, an outdoor shower, and a private pool with clean water 1.4 meters deep. Each room has free fresh fruit and water daily, and the hotel offers honeymoon guests a small cake and champagne. If you bring a baby, they provide a crib, toys, and diapers.
Water villa: I stayed two nights in a sunrise water villa, which was larger than the beach villa. It had an outdoor infinity pool, perfect for photos, and was far from the island, so you could call a hotel buggy for free, with tips optional.
Dining
Restaurants: The hotel has Asian, Italian, Indian, and BBQ restaurants. Breakfast is at the Asian restaurant, with Chinese, Japanese, and Thai options. The Italian restaurant is near the water villa, with a la carte dinners and an adults-only night for guests over 13. The Indian restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and the BBQ restaurant serves delicious grilled dishes.
Food recommendations: The Italian restaurant's lobster is a specialty, not as big as an adult's forearm but still filling. The Asian Night theme features Chinese dishes like stir-fry, noodles, and rice, which are tasty.
Activities
Snorkeling: The island has rich coral reefs and tropical fish, perfect for snorkeling. You can rent snorkeling equipment for free at the water sports center.
Excursions: There are snorkeling, sunset fishing, and dolphin-watching trips, allowing you to get close to the ocean and marine life.
Water sports: The hotel offers wakeboards, fun tubes, banana boats, canoes, pedal boats, speedboats, and more, with activities for children.
Other: You can join free sunrise yoga from 6-7 am daily, with reservations required. On Wednesdays, there's a cocktail party at the sunset bar. You can also try the spa on a separate island, with wooden boat transfers after booking.
Tips
The Maldives is a Muslim country, so respect local customs and beliefs, such as avoiding revealing clothing and pork in public.
Use sunscreen, as the Maldives has strong sunlight and UV radiation.
Protect the environment by not littering or damaging coral reefs and marine ecosystems.